Apple's Steve Zadesky, who has been overseeing the company's electric car project for the last two years, has said he is leaving the company, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday. Zadesky is leaving for personal reasons not related to his performance, the WSJ said.

Apple declined to comment.

Apple has never acknowledged it is looking into building an electric car, but the company has recruited dozens of auto experts, many from car makers like Ford or Mercedes-Benz.

Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook went to BMW's headquarters in 2014, and senior Apple executives toured the carmaker's Leipzig factory to learn how it manufactures the i3 electric car, Reuters had reported, citing sources amiliar with the matter.